Arcteryx FL30 (old style) vs FL20 (new style)

Anyone have a chance to compare these two packs? I have an old style FL45, which I love. My buddy has the new 30, nearly the same size, slightly smaller. He says it doesn't carry on route quite as well as mine. 

I would also like as smaller one for when I've got less stuff (often). Any thoughts on the difference between these two? Anyone want to sell me one? 

I have an older FL20 and a new FL30. FL20 has a thicker fabric for sides and bottom than my 30. It seems like the buckles on the 30 are lighter duty as well. The 30 has a wider base that works better with ropes. With the extension sleeve they are prob 40/50. I was disappointed when the 30 arrived but haven’t really noticed much difference in performance. Will see how long the buckles on the 30 last. 

There was a great online article comparing old vs. new arcteryx alpha packs, i just looked but could not find it.

Basically, IIRC, the size order (biggest to smallest):

- NEW 40

- OLD 45 (33 regular + 12 w/ extended collar)

- NEW 30

- OLD 30 (23 regular + 7 w/ extended collar)

- NEW 20

I believe the new 20 is essentially the same (or at least VERY similar) to the OLD 30.  I fondled the new 20 while in the Arcteryx store in Paris, and thought it was nearly the same as my old 30.

The naming convention of the old was funny since it accounted for the size when the collar was blown out: doable, but kinda top-heavy.  Rarely do i exend the collar on mine.

The naming convention of the new accounted for the non-blown out size.  Thus, the new 30 is actually only slightly smaller than the old 45; and the new 40 is actually quite a bit bigger than the old 45.  

So, after releasing the new series and naming convention, there was actually a gap at the smaller end (though somewhat hidden due to naming convention).  Release of the new 20 simply closed that gap, the 20 debuted much later than when OLD 30 went out of production.

I personally would not buy the new 20 since i have the old 30. If you're just now breaking in to the line, the new 20 I'm sure is a great option.  My old 30 (and similarly the new 20) is perfect for nearly every day trip (c2c, rock, ice, alpine) or technical overnight. More gear/food normally justifies a bigger pack.

The alpha series is pretty notorious for not carrying skis well, though there are many modifications if you want (i personally just use a different pack).

Cheers

Dave

Thanks for the responses guys. 

I'll probably keep looking for the old 30 for now; for the 3 extra liters and burlier fabric.  

I'm impressed you remembered all that, Dave!

Dave Schultz wrote:

There was a great online article comparing old vs. new arcteryx alpha packs, i just looked but could not find it.

I remember that article because I shared a link to it here on mp in an old thread. It was from thealpinestart.com, but it doesn't seem to be available anymore.

You remembered it quite accurately! The new 40 extends to 52 and the new 30 to 37 according to the article.

For the record, there's three generations with different fabrics, not sure how the buckles differ except gen 2 and 3 have the annoying "hook on string" style for the top webbing and they also share the additional pocket in the roll top collar.

Thanks for backing my story haha.  I remembered pretty well as i was very close to picking up another pack or two, but after thoroughly digesting i opted to simply keep my old 30 and 45.  They're great packs, fully recommended as excellent options.  

That veing said, there are ao many good packs it's pretty easy to make a good choice.

Cheers

Mike J wrote:

I remember that article because I shared a link to it here on mp in an old thread. It was from thealpinestart.com, but it doesn't seem to be available anymore.

Looks like that website no longer exists, but here is a link to an archived version:

https://web.archive.org/web/20221128212715/ thealpinestart.com/2020/11/…

I was looking for more information on these packs myself.

I have an old gen 45 I would consider selling, pm if you want pics

I already have an older FL45. Love it, great pack. I'm looking for an old gen FL30. 

Thanks Pat.

It seems the FL20 3rd gen (newest gen) compared to the FL30 1st gen is similar in size, but has additionally 2 attachment points on each side of the back panel, which I think is a big plus. With litte to no effort you can attach a lot of stuff on the sides... 

Also in all of the newer packs (2nd and 3rd gen) you have a second pocket for key and small stuff, which is another plus.

Over the years, I owned (3x) 1st gen FL30, 1st gen FL45, 2nd gen FL30, 3d gen FL30, 3d gen FL40. I really think the 3rd gen packs, with the new material, the two pockets and the side attachment points are the best. No need to go back to 1st gen packs.

Interesting Matze. I have only had 1st gens, but it looked to me that the attachments points on the 3rd gen had their position changed a bit, almost wrapped further around the pack and closer to the back panel (?) and it seemed like it made rigging voile / synch straps in a less optimal position, for securing skiis at least. Thoughts? 

I also believe that on the first gen, on the attachment side next to the crampon bungee, there were two loops, one for the crampon bungee to run through and then another next to it for attachment points. I believe on the third gen it is all just one shared loop, which seemed far less ideal for both rigging attachments and having pons on the outside. But I do not have a 3rd gen so could be off here. 

Pat Marrinan wrote:

Interesting Matze. I have only had 1st gens, but it looked to me that the attachments points on the 3rd gen had their position changed a bit, almost wrapped further around the pack and closer to the back panel (?) and it seemed like it made rigging voile / synch straps in a less optimal position, for securing skiis at least. Thoughts? 

I also believe that on the first gen, on the attachment side next to the crampon bungee, there were two loops, one for the crampon bungee to run through and then another next to it for attachment points. I believe on the third gen it is all just one shared loop, which seemed far less ideal for both rigging attachments and having pons on the outside. But I do not have a 3rd gen so could be off here.

Yes, it could be that the attachment points changed (1st gen FL45 vs 3rd gen FL30), I would need to check. The 1st gen FL30 doesn't have any attachment points next to the back panel, which I find is quite a minus compared to the new one. I do carry skies on the 3rd gen FL30, but only diagonally. I put a dyneema cord in the loop next to the crampon bungee.

For the 3rd gen FL30 and FL40 there are still two loops where the bungee is attached, but only one loop for the attachment points next to the back panel.